Abstract
Reactive distillation (RD) is a great process intensification concept applicable to equilibrium limited reaction systems, but how can anyone decide quickly if RD is indeed worth applying? To answer this question, this study proposes a mapping method for checking the applicability of reactive distillation (RD). The initial development is for one of the most relevant subset of quaternary reversible reactions (A + B ⇄ C + D, with boiling points Tb,C < Tb,A < Tb,B < Tb,D), by using only basic chemical (equilibrium and kinetics) and physical (relative volatilities) parameters. Generic cases, assuming ideal thermodynamics and constant parameters, are used to obtain a set of RD applicability graphs that provide broad insights into the RD operation. In addition, the new mapping method provides reasonable estimates of the RD applicability to real (non-ideal) chemical systems based on the available pre-defined maps (which are actually applicability graphs of the generic ideal cases). This new approach leads to a straightforward estimation of the applicability of RD to real systems, prior to performing any rigorous process simulations and without any clear-cut decision making (as used in previous studies).
Highlights
Reaction and separation, the most important operations in the chemical industries, are usually carried out in different sections of a production plant, and require different types of process equipment
Reactive distillation (RD) configuration is especially beneficial for chemical equilibrium limited reactions, e.g.esterification, etherification, hydrolysis, alkylation, as the equilibrium composition can be shifted towards product formation
This paper describes the development of a novel RD mapping method - based on the KISS principle for the end users - that aims to provide insights into the RD operation and quickly evaluate the applicability of RD to chemical systems with a rather straightforward approach
Summary
The most important operations in the chemical industries, are usually carried out in different sections of a production plant, and require different types of process equipment. The new RD mapping method is used to assess the applicability areas of real (non-ideal) systems by only referring to available pre-defined applicability graphs (based on the generic cases). This approach enables a quick assessment of the RD applicability, prior to performing any rigorous simulations of the RD process, providing sufficiently accurate information about the applicability of RD and being an important aid for a go / no-go decision at an early stage of the process design
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